Audi vs. Lexus - Brand & 2026 Model Comparison
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Audi vs. Lexus - Brand & 2025 Model Comparison
Audi Q5 vs Lexus RX
| 2026 Audi Q5 Premium | VS | 2026 Lexus RX 350 AWD |
| $52,800 ✓ | MSRP | $52,825 |
| 5.8 seconds ✓ | 0-60 Time | 7.2 seconds |
| Multi-link ✓ | Front Suspension | Strut |
| 4,400 pounds ✓ | Towing Capacity | 3,500 pounds |
| 56.9 cubic feet ✓ | Max Cargo Capacity | 46.2 cubic feet |
| Standard ✓ | Sunroof | Optional |
| Standard ✓ | Rear Cross Traffic Alert | Not available |
| Standard ✓ | Memory Seats | Optional |
| Standard ✓ | Leather Upholstery | Requires higher trim |
Let’s take a more in-depth look at the most popular model from each brand, the Audi Q5 and the Lexus RX. The RX doesn’t come with all-wheel drive as standard equipment, but when equipped, these two vehicles are incredibly close in price. The RX comes with a slightly bigger engine that produces a bit more power, but the Q5 makes so much better use of its power that there is a very dramatic difference in 0-60 times. The Q5 also has a handling advantage, thanks to the precision and control offered by a multi-link front suspension, far better than the space/sot-saving strut setup in the RX. And another advantage that comes from how the Q5 uses its power is towing capacity, where the difference is obvious. And even though these two vehicles have very similar cargo space with all of the seats up, fold the back seats of both down and the Q5 has an advantage of more than 10 cubic feet, a huge amount.
Given the similar pricing, you would expect nearly identical levels of equipment, but that’s not quite the case. The Q5 comes standard with a panoramic sunroof, an extra-cost option on the RX. And the standard rear cross-traffic alert on the Q5 isn’t even an option on the RX. You get memory seats with the Q5, an important feature for vehicles that are regularly driven by more than one person, but they’re optional on the RX. Leather upholstery in your choice of three colors is standard for the Q5, but the RX comes with one of two colors of leatherette, and upgrading to leather means an expensive trim upgrade.
Audi A5 VS Lexus ES
| 2026 Audi A5 Premium | VS | 2026 Lexus ES 350h Premium AWD |
| $50,200 ✓ | MSRP | $51,100 |
| 268 HP / 295 LB-FT TQ ✓ | Horsepower / Torque | 244 HP / 173 LB-FT TQ |
| 5.6 seconds ✓ | 0-60 Time | 7.1 seconds |
| 7-speed dual-clutch ✓ | Transmission | CVT |
| Multi-link✓ | Front Suspension | Strut |
| 22.6 cubic feet ✓ | Trunk Space | 13.3 cubic feet |
| Power, hands-free ✓ | Trunk | Power |
| Standard ✓ | Leather Upholstery | Not available |
| Standard ✓ | 360 Camera | Not available |
| 36 months / 30,000 miles ✓ | Included Maintenance | 12 months / unlimited miles |
Next we’ll take a look at the newest sedans from each brand, the Audi A5 and the Lexus ES Hybrid. Once again, when equipped with the optional all-wheel drive, the Lexus is priced very similarly to the Audi, which comes with quattro AWD as standard. Horsepower output is similar, but the A5 has a pretty serious torque advantage, and you see the difference in the 0-60 times. This is further helped by the F1-style dual-clutch transmission in the A5, which delivers far better performance than the CVT in the ES. Handling is another advantage for the A5, and once again, this is due in large part to the more sophisticated front suspension.
The ES offers decent but unremarkable trunk space for a midsize sedan, but the Sportback design of the A5 means it offers a lot more space in the back. Not only that, but it’s easier to access, thanks to the hands-free operation. The A5 comes with leather upholstery, a feature that isn’t even offered as an option for the ES, and it’s the same story with the 360-degree camera. Lastly, Audi’s included routine maintenance covers the first 3 years or 30,000 miles that you own the car, while Lexus only covers the first year.
